When to Keep Your Child Home

Message from Our School Nurse

Welcome Back to School! It is great seeing returning and new students at John Hay School. Being at school brings much excitement with learning, friendships and a new routine. Because of our students’ close contact with each other throughout the day, it is also a time when children develop colds or symptoms that make them feel miserable. Your child may also pick up head lice. The question you may find yourself asking at those moments is: When do I keep my child home?

Keep your child home if he/she has any of these symptoms:
Fever-over 100 degrees F orally. Temperature should remain normal (98.6) without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

Sore throat - especially if associated with a fever or swollen glands.

Vomiting - within the past 24 hours.

Diarrhea - more than one occurrence in a 24 hour period.

Drainage from the eye - the eye crusted and difficult to open (especially upon awakening)

Nasal discharge (yellow or greenish) - if your child’s nasal mucus has a color and is accompanied by a fever and/or coughing, sneezing, drowsiness and general signs of not feeling well, your child may be contagious and should remain home until the symptoms subside. Call your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.

Rash - body rashes not associated with heat, or allergic reactions to medications.

Head lice - contact school office or nurse if any indication of head lice.

Very important - Remember to keep the school updated with new phone numbers and emergency contacts in case your student becomes ill at school. Any questions, please call your school nurse.

My office days at John Hay School for the 2016-2017 school year are every Tuesday and Wednesday. Feel free to call me at 206-252-2107 or email me (dnanderson@seattleschools.org) if you have any questions.